New IDRC-supported project at the Asian Institute of Technology underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering sustainable aquaculture
By Shawn Kelly
In the serene waterways of Thailand, a scientific investigation is unfolding that could redefine aquaculture’s future. Spearheaded by AIT Assistant Professor Dr. Ha Thanh Dong, the project titled “Applications of Nanobubbles to Reduce Antibiotic Use in Aquaculture” is making waves, thanks to a significant Canadian government grant.
Aquaculture, the farming of fish and other aquatic organisms is a lifeline for many in the Asian region, providing food security and livelihoods. However, this industry faces a significant challenge: bacterial diseases that often lead to heavy antibiotic use. The overuse of antibiotics poses a threat not just to fish health but also contributes to the alarming global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Enter nanobubbles – minuscule gas bubbles (<200 nm) that, when introduced into water, can improve water quality, boost fish immunity, and enhance the uptake of immersion vaccine into fish gills. Dr. Dong’s project, funded by a CA$872,000 grant from the International Development Research Center (IDRC) in Canada, aims to harness this innovative technology to reduce antibiotic reliance in aquaculture and revolutionize fish health management.
The project, which commenced on April 1, 2024, and will run until November 2026, is part of the Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (InnoVet-AMR) initiative. This global effort, a partnership between Canada’s International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), seeks to mitigate AMR’s emerging risk to global health and food security. The IDRC grant to AIT underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices in global aquaculture.
A rising scientific star from Vietnam, Dr. Dong was recently named as one of the top 2% of scientists globally for his scholarly impact in 2023 in the field of “fisheries,” according to a Stanford University ranking of researchers worldwide. He is also the latest recipient of the “AIT Young Researcher 2024” award.
The project’s objective is to enhance immersion vaccine efficacy using nanobubble technology, adapt it for commercial use in tilapia farms, and transfer this knowledge to the private sector.
The “nanobubble-vaccine” approach is particularly promising, and could potentially revolutionize tropical aquaculture health management practices for small-scale farmers, Dr. Dong explained.
“The project aims to adapt this technology for commercial use in tilapia farms – a game-changer for small-scale farmers who often lack access to advanced health management practices,” Dr. Dong said.
By advocating for non-antibiotic use in disease prevention, the project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG-1), Zero Hunger (SDG-2), Good Health & Well-being (SDG-3), Gender Equality (SDG-5), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG-9), Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG-12), and Life Below Water (SDG-14).
Over 32 months, the project will not only improve fish health but also empower farmers via knowledge transfer sessions on nanobubble technology applications, and training workshops, Dr. Dong stressed.
AIT’s collaboration with partners such as CENTEX Shrimp (Mahidol University/BIOTEC-NSTDA), Kasetsart University, and Chulalongkorn University enhances the project’s capacity for success. An expert advisory panel consulting this project includes Dr. Saengchan Senapin from BIOTEC/NSTDA, Dr. Krishna R. Salin from AIT, Dr. Channarong Rodkhum from Chulalongkorn University, and Dr. Satid Chatchaiphan from Kasetsart University. Their collective expertise ensures that the project’s execution is scientifically robust and geared towards tangible outcomes.
Industrial partners like Nam Sai Farms Co. Ltd., along with small-scale farmers, will prove vital to implementing this innovative technology at the grassroots level. The project is also investing in future scientific talent by offering two PhD scholarships, one postdoctoral position, and two research assistant opportunities.
According to Dr. Dong, the project holds promise for substantially enhancing aquaculture sustainability across Asia and the Pacific.
“By reducing bacterial disease outbreaks and antibiotic use through nanobubble-vaccine technology, the study represents a significant stride towards a healthier aquatic ecosystem, a safer food supply chain, and a thriving sustainable aquaculture industry in Asia,” he said.
Contact Dr. Ha Thanh Dong at the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) Program, Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Email: [email protected]
Shawn Kelly is Executive Director of International and Public Affairs, Asian Institute of Technology
